'Shabbat wars' loom as Jerusalem multiplex opens on Saturday

Yes Planet's newest complex will be open on Saturday, raising concern over possible haredi protests; will include 16 movie theaters, restaurants, and exhibits spaces, as Yent reported.
A new cinema multiplex is to open in Jerusalem and will operate on Shabbat, Ynet learned Wednesday.

Currently going through its final construction phase, the new complex – built by Yes Planet, in conjunction with the Gabriel Sherover Foundation for NIS 200 million – will be 28,500 square meters large, and feature 16 movie theaters (Including Imax and DX4 theaters).

It will also include 2,000 square meters of restaurants and coffee shops. The official opening will also mark the official shutdown of the Rav Hen movie theater, which stood at the new complex's site for nearly 20 years.

In addition to cinema, the complex will host exhibits and cultural events. The first exhibit, David Gerstein's "Coexistence", will coincide with the center's opening, In addition, the space will include an exhibit of original film posters from the veteran James Bond series, starting with the first film, "Dr. No", and ending with the newest entry,"Spectre", which will arrive in theaters this November.

Moshe Greidinger, CEO of Yes Planet and Rav Hen movie theater chains' parent company Cineworld PLC, which operates in Israel through the Israel Theaters LTD group, mentioned that the new multiplex will use the newest and most advanced technologies in the world.

"We'll take care of Jerusalem residents' cultural, entertainment, and leisure needs, as well as those of guests from around the world," said Greidinger.

Greidinger said that Israel Theaters LTD started operating cinemas in 1929, and that today it is the second largest operator in Europe, with 1,952 screens and 210 movie theaters in 9 countries. In Israel, the group has three main interests: film distribution, operating movie theaters (four Yes Planet and five Rav Hen theaters), and film advertising.

"Our European brand is called 'Cinema City', not to be confused with our Israeli competitors," explained Geidinger. "There's room for both complexes in Jerusalem," he said, talking about Israeli company Cinema City's existing complex in the Israeli capital.